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Women from around the world are ditching their razors for 'Januhairy', because of a student from Exeter University.

Drama student Laura Jackson, 21, was inspired by Movember, which sees men grow moustaches - and came up with the idea after growing her own body hair for a performance.

Laura told the BBC : "Though I felt liberated and more confident in myself, some people around me didn't understand or agree with why I didn't shave. I realised that there is still so much more for us to do to be able to accept one another fully and truly."

The third-year drama student, from Kineton, Warwickshire, hopes to raise £1,000 for a charity education programme, which teaches young people about body image.

"I just want women to feel more comfortable in their own beautifully unique bodies," said Laura. "This isn't an angry campaign for people who don't see how normal body hair is. It is an empowering project for everyone to understand more about their views on themselves and others."

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Women from the UK, US, Canada, Germany, Russia and Spain haven now taken up the Januhairy challenge - and are raising money for Body Gossip, charity that "combines Arts and Education to empower every body to be the best version of themselves and rock their own brand of gorgeous!".

Laura Jackson set up the movement

University of Exeter students India Howland, Lila Boschet and Roisin McCay-Hine are among the women taking part.

Third-year drama student India Howland, 22, from Lymington, Hampshire, told the BBC: "I think having body hair is one of many things women should never be made to feel lesser for. i've heard girls apologise for having hairy legs before.

"But you should be able to embody your femininity any way you want to - no one should feel pressured into shaving."

Second-year English literature and drama student Roisin McCay-Hine said: ""It made me feel uncomfortable. I nearly didn't sign up because I was so nervous about drawing negative attention to myself.

"But that is exactly the problem, which is why I decided to challenge myself into getting over it," added Roisoi, who is 21, and from Fowey, Cornwall."